quintessential

adjective

ˌkwin-tə-ˈsen(t)-shəl How to pronounce quintessential (audio)
Definition of quintessentialnext
as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated Helen of Troy was supposedly the quintessential beauty of the ancient world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of quintessential Meetrendi Collared Shirt Everyone needs a classic collared shirt in their arsenal, and this $25 option is the quintessential top. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026 Her essay is the quintessential death by a thousand withering cuts that is a noxious hallmark of academia. — ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026 There are still enough jokes to make the album feel like quintessential Ween. — Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 1 Aug. 2026 Best Reversible and Nostalgic Quilts With red, blue, beige, and mustard yellow floral details throughout, this now-under-$50 quilt set features quintessential diamond patchwork. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quintessential
  1. classic
  2. exemplary
  3. perfect
  4. archetypal
  5. definitive
  6. excellent
Adjective
  • For some residents who live along Woodward Avenue, the annual event is less about classic cars and more about the noise.
    — Terell Bailey, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The Florida resort also spruced up classic favorite attractions, like Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, while giving a new Muppets theme to its old Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
    — Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of classic
Adjective
  • Given that Furious has established a track record of taking excellent actors and then swiftly killing them by Catherine’s hand, this reveal might illustrate that Emma (the exemplary Hope Davis) is the next to go.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
  • But a sound critic interprets celebrities as exemplary, not singular.
    — Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of exemplary
Adjective
  • Although umbrella insurance is far from perfect ― for instance, intentional acts are generally excluded ― umbrella insurance can provide much larger coverage amounts for things already covered by other policies with lower limits.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Brionna Jones, returning from injury and still finding her footing, went a perfect 5-of-5 from the field for 15 points.
    — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of perfect
Adjective
  • Your practice has always moved between instinct and construction, intimacy and performance, the personal and the archetypal.
    — Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Lestat remembers himself like a bit of an archetypal fairytale babe in the woods in the recounting of his human life.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Definition of archetypal
Adjective
  • Knoxville was even more definitive to USA TODAY, giving another sequel no chance of happening.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Anthropic also cautions against treating either signal as definitive proof of authorship.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of definitive
Adjective
  • Albies is an excellent contact hitter, putting the bat on the ball, and driving the ball to the gaps.
    — Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Located in the heart of the Marais, a restaurant at the Centre Pompidou would have to be pretty special to compete against all the excellent neighboring options.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of excellent

Browse Nearby Words

quintessences
quintessential
quintet
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Cite this Entry

“Quintessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quintessential. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of quintessential for Spanish Speakers

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